On a momentous night in London, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Wizkid took center stage at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, captivating a sold-out crowd of 45,000 fans. The Grammy-winning superstar kicked off the European leg of his highly anticipated "More Love, Less Ego" tour, setting a new milestone as the first African artist to achieve such a feat.
The significance of Wizkid's achievement is underscored by the exclusive company he joins. The only other musical acts to grace the stadium this year were none other than global icons Beyoncé and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Wizkid's extraordinary talent and star power have propelled him to unprecedented heights in the music industry.
The post-concert celebration didn't end there for Wizkid, as he was bestowed with yet another historic honor. In recognition of his incredible success, he became the first African artist to receive the prestigious BRIT Billion award. This accolade commemorates Wizkid's remarkable accomplishment of reaching a staggering 1 billion music streams in the UK.
Wizkid's electrifying performance in London marks the second time he has etched his name in UK live performance history. In 2021, he accomplished the remarkable feat of selling out London's O2 Arena for three consecutive dates – a groundbreaking achievement for any African artist.
The global rise of Afrobeats is undeniable, and its impact continues to reverberate worldwide. The Grammy Awards have recognized its cultural significance by introducing a new category for Best African Music Performance in the 2024 ceremony. This category will celebrate and honor recordings that embody the unique local expressions from across the African continent, further cementing the genre's place on the international stage.
Wizkid's groundbreaking performance is just one of several historic moments for Afrobeats artists this year. Burna Boy, another Nigerian star, achieved a first-of-its-kind feat in June when he headlined a sold-out stadium show at London Stadium in the UK, followed by a mesmerizing performance at Citi Field in New York, making him the first African artist to conquer a US stadium.
Afrobeats' ascendancy reached new heights during the NBA All-Star Game halftime show in February, thanks to standout performances by Burna Boy, alongside Tems and Rema, further solidifying the genre's global impact.
Looking ahead, the "Queen of Afrobeats," Tiwa Savage, is poised to make her own history as the first female artist from the genre to headline at OVO Arena Wembley in the UK. Fans can eagerly anticipate her scheduled performance on November 26, promising yet another unforgettable moment in the vibrant world of Afrobeats.